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Sun Y, Benmhammed H, Al Abdullatif S, Habara A, Fu E, Brady J, Williams C, Ilinski A, Sharma A, Mahdaviani K, Alekseyev YO, Campbell JD, Steinberg MH, Cui S. PGC-1α agonism induces fetal hemoglobin and exerts antisickling effects in sickle cell disease. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadn8750. [PMID: 39083598 PMCID: PMC11290485 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn8750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Sickle cell disease is a growing health burden afflicting millions around the world. Clinical observation and laboratory studies have shown that the severity of sickle cell disease is ameliorated in individuals who have elevated levels of fetal hemoglobin. Additional pharmacologic agents to induce sufficient fetal hemoglobin to diminish clinical severity is an unmet medical need. We recently found that up-regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) can induce fetal hemoglobin synthesis in human primary erythroblasts. Here, we report that a small molecule, SR-18292, increases PGC-1α leading to enhanced fetal hemoglobin expression in human erythroid cells, β-globin yeast artificial chromosome mice, and sickle cell disease mice. In SR-18292-treated sickle mice, sickled red blood cells are significantly reduced, and disease complications are alleviated. SR-18292, or agents in its class, could be a promising additional therapeutic for sickle cell disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Sun
- Section of Hematology-Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hajar Benmhammed
- Section of Hematology-Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Salam Al Abdullatif
- Single Cell Sequencing Core Facility, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alawi Habara
- Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eric Fu
- Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jordan Brady
- Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher Williams
- Single Cell Sequencing Core Facility, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adrian Ilinski
- Section of Hematology-Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anusha Sharma
- Section of Hematology-Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kiana Mahdaviani
- Section of Hematology-Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yuriy O. Alekseyev
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joshua D. Campbell
- Division of Computational Biomedicine, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Martin H Steinberg
- Section of Hematology-Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Shuaiying Cui
- Section of Hematology-Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Chang N, Li J, Lin S, Zhang J, Zeng W, Ma G, Wang Y. Emerging roles of SIRT1 activator, SRT2104, in disease treatment. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5521. [PMID: 38448466 PMCID: PMC10917792 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55923-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) is a NAD+-dependent class III deacetylase that plays important roles in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, positioning it as a prime candidate for therapeutic intervention. Among its modulators, SRT2104 emerges as the most specific small molecule activator of SIRT1, currently advancing into the clinical translation phase. The primary objective of this review is to evaluate the emerging roles of SRT2104, and to explore its potential as a therapeutic agent in various diseases. In the present review, we systematically summarized the findings from an extensive array of literature sources including the progress of its application in disease treatment and its potential molecular mechanisms by reviewing the literature published in databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. We focuses on the strides made in employing SRT2104 for disease treatment, elucidating its potential molecular underpinnings based on preclinical and clinical research data. The findings reveal that SRT2104, as a potent SIRT1 activator, holds considerable therapeutic potential, particularly in modulating metabolic and longevity-related pathways. This review establishes SRT2104 as a leading SIRT1 activator with significant therapeutic promise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Chang
- Shunde Women and Children's Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Junyang Li
- Shunde Women and Children's Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Sufen Lin
- Shunde Women and Children's Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Jinfeng Zhang
- Shunde Women and Children's Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Weiqiang Zeng
- Shunde Women and Children's Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Foshan, China.
| | - Guoda Ma
- Shunde Women and Children's Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Foshan, China.
| | - Yajun Wang
- Shunde Women and Children's Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Foshan, China.
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3
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Fajardo-Orduña GR, Ledesma-Martínez E, Aguiñiga-Sanchez I, Weiss-Steider B, Santiago-Osorio E. Role of SIRT1 in Chemoresistant Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14470. [PMID: 37833921 PMCID: PMC10573076 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Leukemias of the AML, CML, and CLL types are the most common blood cancers worldwide, making them a major global public health problem. Furthermore, less than 24% of patients treated with conventional chemotherapy (low-risk patients) and 10-15% of patients ineligible for conventional chemotherapy (high-risk patients) survive five years. The low levels of survival are mainly due to toxicity and resistance to chemotherapy or other medication, the latter leading to relapse of the disease, which is the main obstacle to the treatment of leukemia. Drug resistance may include different molecular mechanisms, among which epigenetic regulators are involved. Silent information regulator 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) is an epigenetic factor belonging to the sirtuin (SIRT) family known to regulate aspects of chromatin biology, genome stability, and metabolism, both in homeostasis processes and in different diseases, including cancer. The regulatory functions of SIRT1 in different biological processes and molecular pathways are dependent on the type and stage of the neoplasia; thus, it may act as both an oncogenic and tumor suppressor factor and may also participate in drug resistance. In this review, we explore the role of SIRT1 in drug-resistant leukemia and its potential as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guadalupe Rosario Fajardo-Orduña
- Hematopoiesis and Leukemia Laboratory, Research Unit on Cell Differentiation and Cancer, Faculty of High Studies Zaragoza, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 09230, Mexico; (G.R.F.-O.)
| | - Edgar Ledesma-Martínez
- Hematopoiesis and Leukemia Laboratory, Research Unit on Cell Differentiation and Cancer, Faculty of High Studies Zaragoza, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 09230, Mexico; (G.R.F.-O.)
| | - Itzen Aguiñiga-Sanchez
- Hematopoiesis and Leukemia Laboratory, Research Unit on Cell Differentiation and Cancer, Faculty of High Studies Zaragoza, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 09230, Mexico; (G.R.F.-O.)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Faculty of High Studies Zaragoza, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 56410, Mexico
| | - Benny Weiss-Steider
- Hematopoiesis and Leukemia Laboratory, Research Unit on Cell Differentiation and Cancer, Faculty of High Studies Zaragoza, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 09230, Mexico; (G.R.F.-O.)
| | - Edelmiro Santiago-Osorio
- Hematopoiesis and Leukemia Laboratory, Research Unit on Cell Differentiation and Cancer, Faculty of High Studies Zaragoza, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City 09230, Mexico; (G.R.F.-O.)
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Fontana L, Alahouzou Z, Miccio A, Antoniou P. Epigenetic Regulation of β-Globin Genes and the Potential to Treat Hemoglobinopathies through Epigenome Editing. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14030577. [PMID: 36980849 PMCID: PMC10048329 DOI: 10.3390/genes14030577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Beta-like globin gene expression is developmentally regulated during life by transcription factors, chromatin looping and epigenome modifications of the β-globin locus. Epigenome modifications, such as histone methylation/demethylation and acetylation/deacetylation and DNA methylation, are associated with up- or down-regulation of gene expression. The understanding of these mechanisms and their outcome in gene expression has paved the way to the development of new therapeutic strategies for treating various diseases, such as β-hemoglobinopathies. Histone deacetylase and DNA methyl-transferase inhibitors are currently being tested in clinical trials for hemoglobinopathies patients. However, these approaches are often uncertain, non-specific and their global effect poses serious safety concerns. Epigenome editing is a recently developed and promising tool that consists of a DNA recognition domain (zinc finger, transcription activator-like effector or dead clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats Cas9) fused to the catalytic domain of a chromatin-modifying enzyme. It offers a more specific targeting of disease-related genes (e.g., the ability to reactivate the fetal γ-globin genes and improve the hemoglobinopathy phenotype) and it facilitates the development of scarless gene therapy approaches. Here, we summarize the mechanisms of epigenome regulation of the β-globin locus, and we discuss the application of epigenome editing for the treatment of hemoglobinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Fontana
- Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation during Development, INSERM UMR 1163, Imagine Institute, Université Paris Cité, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Zoe Alahouzou
- Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation during Development, INSERM UMR 1163, Imagine Institute, Université Paris Cité, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Annarita Miccio
- Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation during Development, INSERM UMR 1163, Imagine Institute, Université Paris Cité, F-75015 Paris, France
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (P.A.)
| | - Panagiotis Antoniou
- Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation during Development, INSERM UMR 1163, Imagine Institute, Université Paris Cité, F-75015 Paris, France
- Genome Engineering, Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceuticals R&D Unit, AstraZeneca, 431 50 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Correspondence: (A.M.); (P.A.)
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sickle cell disease and β thalassemia are the principal β hemoglobinopathies. The complex pathophysiology of sickle cell disease is initiated by sickle hemoglobin polymerization. In β thalassemia, insufficient β-globin synthesis results in excessive free α globin, ineffective erythropoiesis and severe anemia. Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) prevents sickle hemoglobin polymerization; in β thalassemia HbF compensates for the deficit of normal hemoglobin. When HbF constitutes about a third of total cell hemoglobin, the complications of sickle cell disease are nearly totally prevented. Similarly, sufficient HbF in β thalassemia diminishes or prevents ineffective erythropoiesis and hemolysis. AREAS COVERED This article examines the pathophysiology of β hemoglobinopathies, the physiology of HbF, intracellular distribution and the regulation of HbF expression. Inducing high levels of HbF by targeting its regulatory pathways pharmacologically or with cell-based therapeutics provides major clinical benefit and perhaps a "cure." EXPERT OPINION Erythrocytes must contain about 10 pg of HbF to "cure" sickle cell disease. If HbF is the only hemoglobin present, much higher levels are needed to "cure" β thalassemia. These levels of HbF can be obtained by different iterations of gene therapy. Small molecule drugs that can achieve even modest pancellular HbF concentrations are a major unmet need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin H Steinberg
- Professor of Medicine, Pediatrics, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine.,Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Center of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord St., Boston, MA, 02118, USA.,Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E. Concord St. Boston, MA 02118. ., Tel
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Multi-Omics Analysis in β-Thalassemia Using an HBB Gene-Knockout Human Erythroid Progenitor Cell Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052807. [PMID: 35269949 PMCID: PMC8911073 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
β-thalassemia is a hematologic disease that may be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Increased expression of HBG1/2 can ameliorate the severity of β-thalassemia. Compared to the unaffected population, some β-thalassemia patients display elevated HBG1/2 expression levels in their red blood cells. However, the magnitude of up-regulation does not reach the threshold of self-healing, and thus, the molecular mechanism underlying HBG1/2 expression in the context of HBB-deficiency requires further elucidation. Here, we performed a multi-omics study examining chromatin accessibility, transcriptome, proteome, and phosphorylation patterns in the HBB homozygous knockout of the HUDEP2 cell line (HBB-KO). We found that up-regulation of HBG1/2 in HBB-KO cells was not induced by the H3K4me3-mediated genetic compensation response. Deletion of HBB in human erythroid progenitor cells resulted in increased ROS levels and production of oxidative stress, which led to an increased rate of apoptosis. Furthermore, in response to oxidative stress, slower cell cycle progression and proliferation were observed. In addition, stress erythropoiesis was initiated leading to increased intracellular HBG1/2 expression. This molecular model was also validated in the single-cell transcriptome of hematopoietic stem cells from β-hemoglobinopathy patients. These findings further the understanding of HBG1/2 gene regulatory networks and provide novel clinical insights into β-thalassemia phenotypic diversity.
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7
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Gee BE, Pearson A, Buchanan-Perry I, Simon RP, Archer DR, Meller R. Whole Blood Transcriptome Analysis in Children with Sickle Cell Anemia. Front Genet 2022; 12:737741. [PMID: 35095995 PMCID: PMC8793691 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.737741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Whole transcriptome RNA-sequencing was performed to quantify RNA expression changes in whole blood samples collected from steady state sickle cell anemia (SCA) and control subjects. Pediatric SCA and control subjects were recruited from Atlanta (GA)-based hospital(s) systems and consented for RNA sequencing. RNA sequencing was performed on an Ion Torrent S5 sequencer, using the Ion Total RNA-seq v2 protocol. Data were aligned to the hg19 reference genome and analyzed in the Partek Genomics studio package (v7.0). 223 genes were differentially expressed between SCA and controls (± 1.5 fold change FDR p < 0.001) and 441 genes show differential transcript expression (± 1.5 fold FDR p < 0.001). Differentially expressed RNA are enriched for hemoglobin associated genes and ubiquitin-proteasome pathway genes. Further analysis shows higher gamma globin gene expression in SCA (33-fold HBG1 and 49-fold HBG2, both FDR p < 0.05), which did not correlate with hemoglobin F protein levels. eQTL analysis identified SNPs in novel non-coding RNA RYR2 gene as having a potential regulatory role in HBG1 and HBG2 expression levels. Gene expression correlation identified JHDM1D-AS1(KDM7A-DT), a non-coding RNA associated with angiogenesis, enhanced GATA1 and decreased JAK-STAT signaling to correlate with HBG1 and HBG2 mRNA levels. These data suggest novel regulatory mechanisms for fetal hemoglobin regulation, which may offer innovative therapeutic approaches for SCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice E. Gee
- Department of Pediatrics, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Morehouse School of Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Andrea Pearson
- Translational Stroke Program, Neuroscience Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Iris Buchanan-Perry
- Department of Pediatrics, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Roger P. Simon
- Translational Stroke Program, Neuroscience Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Neurology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - David R. Archer
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Emory University and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Robert Meller
- Translational Stroke Program, Neuroscience Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
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8
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Hadar A, Kapitansky O, Ganaiem M, Sragovich S, Lobyntseva A, Giladi E, Yeheskel A, Avitan A, Vatine GD, Gurwitz D, Ivashko-Pachima Y, Gozes I. Introducing ADNP and SIRT1 as new partners regulating microtubules and histone methylation. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:6550-6561. [PMID: 33967268 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01143-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Activity-dependent neuroprotective protein (ADNP) is essential for brain formation and function. As such, de novo mutations in ADNP lead to the autistic ADNP syndrome and somatic ADNP mutations may drive Alzheimer's disease (AD) tauopathy. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is positively associated with aging, the major risk for AD. Here, we revealed two key interaction sites for ADNP and SIRT1. One, at the microtubule end-binding protein (EB1 and EB3) Tau level, with EB1/EB3 serving as amplifiers for microtubule dynamics, synapse formation, axonal transport, and protection against tauopathy. Two, on the DNA/chromatin site, with yin yang 1, histone deacetylase 2, and ADNP, sharing a DNA binding motif and regulating SIRT1, ADNP, and EB1 (MAPRE1). This interaction was linked to sex- and age-dependent altered histone modification, associated with ADNP/SIRT1/WD repeat-containing protein 5, which mediates the assembly of histone modification complexes. Single-cell RNA and protein expression analyses as well as gene expression correlations placed SIRT1-ADNP and either MAPRE1 (EB1), MAPRE3 (EB3), or both in the same mouse and human cell; however, while MAPRE1 seemed to be similarly regulated to ADNP and SIRT1, MAPRE3 seemed to deviate. Finally, we demonstrated an extremely tight correlation for the gene transcripts described above, including related gene products. This correlation was specifically abolished in affected postmortem AD and Parkinson's disease brain select areas compared to matched controls, while being maintained in blood samples. Thus, we identified an ADNP-SIRT1 complex that may serve as a new target for the understanding of brain degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adva Hadar
- The Elton Laboratory for Neuroendocrinology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Oxana Kapitansky
- The Elton Laboratory for Neuroendocrinology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Maram Ganaiem
- The Elton Laboratory for Neuroendocrinology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shlomo Sragovich
- The Elton Laboratory for Neuroendocrinology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Alexandra Lobyntseva
- The Elton Laboratory for Neuroendocrinology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eliezer Giladi
- The Elton Laboratory for Neuroendocrinology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Adva Yeheskel
- Bioinformatics Unit, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Aliza Avitan
- The Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, The Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell (RMSC) Research Center and the Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Gad D Vatine
- The Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, The Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell (RMSC) Research Center and the Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - David Gurwitz
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Yanina Ivashko-Pachima
- The Elton Laboratory for Neuroendocrinology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.,Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Illana Gozes
- The Elton Laboratory for Neuroendocrinology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel. .,Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Sagol School of Neuroscience and Adams Super Center for Brain Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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9
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Lin J, Ye Y, Shang X, Zhang Y, Wei X, Xu X. TEA domain transcription factor 4 modulates repression of fetal haemoglobin by direct binding to the γ-globin gene promoters. Br J Haematol 2021; 195:764-769. [PMID: 34569056 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.17786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Re-activation of fetal haemoglobin (HbF) has been proved to be an effective strategy for the treatment of β-haemoglobinopathies. In this study, we identified TEA domain transcription factor 4 (TEAD4) as a new potential regulator of HbF by integrating public data sets with quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis in β-thalassaemia patients. Significant negative correlation was observed between the expression of TEAD4 and HbF levels in β-thalassaemia patients. Functional validations of TEAD4 inhibition in both β-thalassaemia CD34+ cells and HUDEP-2 cells indicated that depletion of TEAD4 led to a significant increase of HbF. Finally, we identified a binding motif of TEAD4 on γ-globin gene promoters; its disruption consistently led to de-repression of HbF. Taken together, these results demonstrate that TEAD4 could act as a transcriptional inhibitor of the γ-globin gene through direct binding on its promoter. Our findings demonstrate a novel role of TEAD4 on the regulation of HbF, which may benefit patients with β-haemoglobinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqiong Lin
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, China
| | - Yuhua Ye
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, China
| | - Xuan Shang
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, China.,Innovation Center for Diagnostics and Treatment of Thalassemia, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, China.,Guangdong Genetics Testing Engineering Research Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanxia Zhang
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, China
| | - Xiaofeng Wei
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, China
| | - Xiangmin Xu
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, China.,Innovation Center for Diagnostics and Treatment of Thalassemia, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, China.,Guangdong Genetics Testing Engineering Research Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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10
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Starlard-Davenport A, Fitzgerald A, Pace BS. Exploring epigenetic and microRNA approaches for γ-globin gene regulation. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2021; 246:2347-2357. [PMID: 34292080 DOI: 10.1177/15353702211028195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic interventions aimed at inducing fetal hemoglobin and reducing the concentration of sickle hemoglobin is an effective approach to ameliorating acute and chronic complications of sickle cell disease, exemplified by the long-term use of hydroxyurea. However, there remains an unmet need for the development of additional safe and effective drugs for single agent or combination therapy for individuals with β-hemoglobinopathies. Regulation of the γ-globin to β-globin switch is achieved by chromatin remodeling at the HBB locus on chromosome 11 and interactions of major DNA binding proteins, such as KLF1 and BCL11A in the proximal promoters of the globin genes. Experimental evidence also supports a role of epigenetic modifications including DNA methylation, histone acetylation/methylation, and microRNA expression in γ-globin gene silencing during development. In this review, we will critically evaluate the role of epigenetic mechanisms in γ-globin gene regulation and discuss data generated in tissue culture, pre-clinical animal models, and clinical trials to support drug development to date. The question remains whether modulation of epigenetic pathways will produce sufficient efficacy and specificity for fetal hemoglobin induction and to what extent targeting these pathways form the basis of prospects for clinical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athena Starlard-Davenport
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Ashley Fitzgerald
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Betty S Pace
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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11
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Pavan AR, Dos Santos JL. Advances in Sickle Cell Disease Treatments. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:2008-2032. [PMID: 32520675 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327666200610175400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited disorder of red blood cells that is caused by a single mutation in the β -globin gene. The disease, which afflicts millions of patients worldwide mainly in low income countries, is characterized by high morbidity, mortality and low life expectancy. The new pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies for SCD is urgent in order to promote treatments able to reduce patient's suffering and improve their quality of life. Since the FDA approval of HU in 1998, there have been few advances in discovering new drugs; however, in the last three years voxelotor, crizanlizumab, and glutamine have been approved as new therapeutic alternatives. In addition, new promising compounds have been described to treat the main SCD symptoms. Herein, focusing on drug discovery, we discuss new strategies to treat SCD that have been carried out in the last ten years to discover new, safe, and effective treatments. Moreover, non-pharmacological approaches, including red blood cell exchange, gene therapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation will be presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Renata Pavan
- Department of Drugs and Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
| | - Jean Leandro Dos Santos
- Department of Drugs and Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, Brazil
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12
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Zakaria NA, Islam MA, Abdullah WZ, Bahar R, Mohamed Yusoff AA, Abdul Wahab R, Shamsuddin S, Johan MF. Epigenetic Insights and Potential Modifiers as Therapeutic Targets in β-Thalassemia. Biomolecules 2021; 11:755. [PMID: 34070036 PMCID: PMC8158146 DOI: 10.3390/biom11050755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Thalassemia, an inherited quantitative globin disorder, consists of two types, α- and β-thalassemia. β-thalassemia is a heterogeneous disease that can be asymptomatic, mild, or even severe. Considerable research has focused on investigating its underlying etiology. These studies found that DNA hypomethylation in the β-globin gene cluster is significantly related to fetal hemoglobin (HbF) elevation. Histone modification reactivates γ-globin gene expression in adults and increases β-globin expression. Down-regulation of γ-globin suppressor genes, i.e., BCL11A, KLF1, HBG-XMN1, HBS1L-MYB, and SOX6, elevates the HbF level. β-thalassemia severity is predictable through FLT1, ARG2, NOS2A, and MAP3K5 gene expression. NOS2A and MAP3K5 may predict the β-thalassemia patient's response to hydroxyurea, a HbF-inducing drug. The transcription factors NRF2 and BACH1 work with antioxidant enzymes, i.e., PRDX1, PRDX2, TRX1, and SOD1, to protect erythrocytes from oxidative damage, thus increasing their lifespan. A single β-thalassemia-causing mutation can result in different phenotypes, and these are predictable by IGSF4 and LARP2 methylation as well as long non-coding RNA expression levels. Finally, the coinheritance of β-thalassemia with α-thalassemia ameliorates the β-thalassemia clinical presentation. In conclusion, the management of β-thalassemia is currently limited to genetic and epigenetic approaches, and numerous factors should be further explored in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Atikah Zakaria
- Department of Haematology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia; (N.A.Z.); (W.Z.A.); (R.B.)
| | - Md Asiful Islam
- Department of Haematology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia; (N.A.Z.); (W.Z.A.); (R.B.)
| | - Wan Zaidah Abdullah
- Department of Haematology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia; (N.A.Z.); (W.Z.A.); (R.B.)
| | - Rosnah Bahar
- Department of Haematology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia; (N.A.Z.); (W.Z.A.); (R.B.)
| | - Abdul Aziz Mohamed Yusoff
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, University Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia;
| | - Ridhwan Abdul Wahab
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan 25200, Malaysia;
| | - Shaharum Shamsuddin
- School of Health Sciences, University Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia;
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), University Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia
- USM-RIKEN Interdisciplinary Collaboration for Advanced Sciences (URICAS), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Farid Johan
- Department of Haematology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian 16150, Malaysia; (N.A.Z.); (W.Z.A.); (R.B.)
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13
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Insight of fetal to adult hemoglobin switch: Genetic modulators and therapeutic targets. Blood Rev 2021; 49:100823. [PMID: 33726930 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2021.100823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The clinical heterogeneity of β-hemoglobinopathies is so variable that it prompted the researchers to identify the genetic modulators of these diseases. Though the primary modulator is the type of β-globin mutation which affects the degree of β-globin chain synthesis, the co-inheritance of α-thalassemia and the fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels also act as potent secondary genetic modifiers. As elevated HbF levels ameliorate the severity of hemoglobinopathies, in this review, the genetic modulators lying within and outside the β-globin gene cluster with their plausible role in governing the HbF levels have been summarised, which in future may act as potential therapeutic targets.
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14
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Wang Y, Yu L, Engel JD, Singh SA. Epigenetic activities in erythroid cell gene regulation. Semin Hematol 2020; 58:4-9. [PMID: 33509442 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2020.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Interest in the role of epigenetic mechanisms in human biology has exponentially increased over the past several decades. The multitude of opposing and context-dependent chromatin-modifying enzymes/coregulator complexes is just beginning to be understood at a molecular level. This science has benefitted tremendously from studies of erythropoiesis, in which a series of β-globin genes are in sequence turned "on" and "off," serving as a fascinating model of coordinated gene expression. We, therefore, describe here epigenetic complexes about which we know most, using erythropoiesis as the context. The biochemical insights lay the foundation for proposing and developing novel treatments for diseases of red cells and of erythropoiesis, identifying for example epigenetic enzymes that can be drugged to manipulate β-globin locus regulation, to favor activation of unmutated fetal hemoglobin over mutated adult β-globin genes to treat sickle cell disease and β-thalassemias. Other potential translational applications are in redirecting hematopoietic commitment decisions, as treatment for bone marrow failure syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Lei Yu
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - James Douglas Engel
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI.
| | - Sharon A Singh
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
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15
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Abstract
Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) can blunt the pathophysiology, temper the clinical course, and offer prospects for curative therapy of sickle cell disease. This review focuses on (1) HbF quantitative trait loci and the geography of β-globin gene haplotypes, especially those found in the Middle East; (2) how HbF might differentially impact the pathophysiology and many subphenotypes of sickle cell disease; (3) clinical implications of person-to-person variation in the distribution of HbF among HbF-containing erythrocytes; and (4) reactivation of HbF gene expression using both pharmacologic and cell-based therapeutic approaches. A confluence of detailed understanding of the molecular basis of HbF gene expression, coupled with the ability to precisely target by genomic editing most areas of the genome, is producing important preliminary therapeutic results that could provide new options for cell-based therapeutics with curative intent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin H Steinberg
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Center of Excellence for Sickle Cell Disease, Center for Regenerative Medicine, Genome Science Institute, Boston University School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
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16
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BCL11A: a potential diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target in human diseases. Biosci Rep 2020; 39:220893. [PMID: 31654056 PMCID: PMC6851505 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20190604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factor B-cell lymphoma/leukemia 11A (BCL11A) gene encodes a zinc-finger protein that is predominantly expressed in brain and hematopoietic tissue. BCL11A functions mainly as a transcriptional repressor that is crucial in brain, hematopoietic system development, as well as fetal-to-adult hemoglobin switching. The expression of this gene is regulated by microRNAs, transcription factors and genetic variations. A number of studies have recently shown that BCL11A is involved in β-hemoglobinopathies, hematological malignancies, malignant solid tumors, 2p15-p16.1 microdeletion syndrome, and Type II diabetes. It has been suggested that BCL11A may be a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for some diseases. In this review, we summarize the current research state of BCL11A, including its biochemistry, expression, regulation, function, and its possible clinical application in human diseases.
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17
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Curative vs targeted therapy for SCD: does it make more sense to address the root cause than target downstream events? Blood Adv 2020; 4:3457-3465. [PMID: 32722787 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2020001469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) places a heavy burden on a global and increasing population predominantly resident in resource-poor and developing countries. Progress continues to be made in preventing childhood mortality, and increasing numbers of chronically ill adults with disease are requiring care for disease sequelae. Curative therapies for SCD are therefore attractive to physicians and investigators focused on SCD. Gene therapies are being developed, and several are now in various stages of early-phase human clinical trials. However, we must also pursue avenues through which we can do the most good for the most people alive today. Such efforts include improving our understanding of disease mechanisms and which disease sequelae most strongly affect survival and interfere with quality of life. The pathways leading to disease sequelae are multiple, complex, and highly interactive. Four drugs have now been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for SCD; however, each has a distinct mechanism and a measurable but limited effect on the many clinical sequelae of SCD. We therefore need to learn how to approach multi-agent therapy for SCD. The order of addition of each agent to treat a specific patient will need to be guided by response to previous therapy, risk factors identified for specific disease outcomes, and clinical studies to determine more comprehensively how the 4 currently approved drugs might interact and produce (or not) additive effects. Moreover, this will have to be accomplished with defined end points in mind, according to which pose the greatest threats to quality of life as well as survival.
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Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) afflicts millions of people worldwide but is referred to as an orphan disease in the United States. Over the past several decades, there has been an increasing understanding of the pathophysiology of SCD and its complications. While most individuals with SCD in resource-rich countries survive into adulthood, the life expectancy of patients with SCD remains substantially shorter than for the general African-American population. SCD can be cured using hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and possibly gene therapy, but these treatment approaches are not available to most patients, the majority of whom reside in low- and middle-income countries. Until relatively recently, only one drug, hydroxyurea, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to ameliorate disease severity. Multiple other drugs (L-glutamine, crizanlizumab, and voxelotor) have recently been approved for the treatment of SCD, with several others at various stages of clinical testing. The availability of multiple agents to treat SCD raises questions related to the choice of appropriate drug therapy, combination of multiple agents, and affordability of recently approved products. The enthusiasm for new drug development provides opportunities to involve patients in low- and middle-income nations in the testing of potentially disease-modifying therapies and has the potential to contribute to capacity building in these environments. Demonstration that these agents, alone or in combination, can prevent or decrease end-organ damage would provide additional evidence for the role of drug therapies in improving outcomes in SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parul Rai
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Kenneth I. Ataga
- Center for Sickle Cell Disease, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
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19
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Dai Y, Shaikho EM, Perez J, Wilson CA, Liu LY, White MR, Farrell JJ, Chui DHK, Sebastiani P, Steinberg MH. BCL2L1 is associated with γ-globin gene expression. Blood Adv 2019; 3:2995-3001. [PMID: 31648320 PMCID: PMC6849934 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2019032243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal hemoglobin (HbF) expression is partially governed by the trans-acting quantitative trait loci BCL11A and MYB and a cis-acting locus linked to the HBB gene cluster. Our previous analysis of the Genotype-Tissue Expression database suggested that BCL2L1 was associated with HbF gene expression. In erythroid progenitors from patients with sickle cell disease, BCL2L1 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were positively correlated with HBG mRNA and total HbF concentration (r2 = 0.72, P = .047 and r2 = 0.68, P = .01, respectively). Inhibition of BCL2L1 protein activity in HbF-expressing HUDEP-1 cells decreased HBG expression in a dose-dependent manner. Overexpression of BCL2L1 in these cells increased HBG expression fourfold (P < .05) and increased F cells by 13% (P < .05). Overexpression of BCL2L1 in erythroid progenitors derived from primary adult CD34+ cells upregulated HBG expression 11-fold (P < .05), increased F cells by 18% (P < .01), did not significantly affect cell differentiation or proliferation, and had a minor effect on survival. Although the mechanism remains unknown, our results suggest that BCL2L1 is associated with HbF gene activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Dai
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Elmutaz M Shaikho
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
- Bioinformatics Program, Boston University, Boston, MA; and
| | - Jessica Perez
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Carolyn A Wilson
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Lesley Y Liu
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Mitchell R White
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - John J Farrell
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - David H K Chui
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Paola Sebastiani
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Martin H Steinberg
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA
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20
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Telen MJ, Malik P, Vercellotti GM. Therapeutic strategies for sickle cell disease: towards a multi-agent approach. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2019; 18:139-158. [PMID: 30514970 PMCID: PMC6645400 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-018-0003-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
For over 100 years, clinicians and scientists have been unravelling the consequences of the A to T substitution in the β-globin gene that produces haemoglobin S, which leads to the systemic manifestations of sickle cell disease (SCD), including vaso-occlusion, anaemia, haemolysis, organ injury and pain. However, despite growing understanding of the mechanisms of haemoglobin S polymerization and its effects on red blood cells, only two therapies for SCD - hydroxyurea and L-glutamine - are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. Moreover, these treatment options do not fully address the manifestations of SCD, which arise from a complex network of interdependent pathophysiological processes. In this article, we review efforts to develop new drugs targeting these processes, including agents that reactivate fetal haemoglobin, anti-sickling agents, anti-adhesion agents, modulators of ischaemia-reperfusion and oxidative stress, agents that counteract free haemoglobin and haem, anti-inflammatory agents, anti-thrombotic agents and anti-platelet agents. We also discuss gene therapy, which holds promise of a cure, although its widespread application is currently limited by technical challenges and the expense of treatment. We thus propose that developing systems-oriented multi-agent strategies on the basis of SCD pathophysiology is needed to improve the quality of life and survival of people with SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn J Telen
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine and Duke Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Punam Malik
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology and the Division of Hematology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Gregory M Vercellotti
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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21
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Metformin induces FOXO3-dependent fetal hemoglobin production in human primary erythroid cells. Blood 2018; 132:321-333. [PMID: 29884740 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2017-11-814335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Induction of red blood cell (RBC) fetal hemoglobin (HbF; α2γ2) ameliorates the pathophysiology of sickle cell disease (SCD) by reducing the concentration of sickle hemoglobin (HbS; α2βS2) to inhibit its polymerization. Hydroxyurea (HU), the only US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug for SCD, acts in part by inducing HbF; however, it is not fully effective, reflecting the need for new therapies. Whole-exome sequence analysis of rare genetic variants in SCD patients identified FOXO3 as a candidate regulator of RBC HbF. We validated these genomic findings through loss- and gain-of-function studies in normal human CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells induced to undergo erythroid differentiation. FOXO3 gene silencing reduced γ-globin RNA levels and HbF levels in erythroblasts, whereas overexpression of FOXO3 produced the opposite effect. Moreover, treatment of primary CD34+ cell-derived erythroid cultures with metformin, an FDA-approved drug known to enhance FOXO3 activity in nonerythroid cells, caused dose-related FOXO3-dependent increases in the percentage of HbF protein and the fraction of HbF-immunostaining cells (F cells). Combined HU and metformin treatment induced HbF additively and reversed the arrest in erythroid maturation caused by HU treatment alone. HbF induction by metformin in erythroid precursors was dependent on FOXO3 expression and did not alter expression of BCL11A, MYB, or KLF1. Collectively, our data implicate FOXO3 as a positive regulator of γ-globin expression and identify metformin as a potential therapeutic agent for SCD.
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Zivot A, Lipton JM, Narla A, Blanc L. Erythropoiesis: insights into pathophysiology and treatments in 2017. Mol Med 2018; 24:11. [PMID: 30134792 PMCID: PMC6016880 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-018-0011-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Erythropoiesis is a tightly-regulated and complex process originating in the bone marrow from a multipotent stem cell and terminating in a mature, enucleated erythrocyte.Altered red cell production can result from the direct impairment of medullary erythropoiesis, as seen in the thalassemia syndromes, inherited bone marrow failure as well as in the anemia of chronic disease. Alternatively, in disorders such as sickle cell disease (SCD) as well as enzymopathies and membrane defects, medullary erythropoiesis is not, or only minimally, directly impaired. Despite these differences in pathophysiology, therapies have traditionally been non-specific, limited to symptomatic control of anemia via packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusion, resulting in iron overload and the eventual need for iron chelation or splenectomy to reduce defective red cell destruction. Likewise, in polycythemia vera overproduction of red cells has historically been dealt with by non-specific myelosuppression or phlebotomy. With a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying disease pathophysiology, new therapeutic targets have been identified including induction of fetal hemoglobin, interference with aberrant signaling pathways and gene therapy for definitive cure. This review, utilizing some representative disorders of erythropoiesis, will highlight novel therapeutic modalities currently in development for treatment of red cell disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Zivot
- Laboratory of Developmental Erythropoiesis, Center for Autoimmune, Musculoskeletal, and Hematopoietic Diseases, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- Division of Pediatrics Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Cohen Children's Medical Center, New Hyde Park, NY, 11040, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Lipton
- Laboratory of Developmental Erythropoiesis, Center for Autoimmune, Musculoskeletal, and Hematopoietic Diseases, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- Division of Pediatrics Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Cohen Children's Medical Center, New Hyde Park, NY, 11040, USA
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Anupama Narla
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pediatrics, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra Northwell, Hempstead, NY, 11549, USA
| | - Lionel Blanc
- Laboratory of Developmental Erythropoiesis, Center for Autoimmune, Musculoskeletal, and Hematopoietic Diseases, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
- Division of Pediatrics Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Cohen Children's Medical Center, New Hyde Park, NY, 11040, USA.
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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23
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Morrison TA, Wilcox I, Luo HY, Farrell JJ, Kurita R, Nakamura Y, Murphy GJ, Cui S, Steinberg MH, Chui DHK. A long noncoding RNA from the HBS1L-MYB intergenic region on chr6q23 regulates human fetal hemoglobin expression. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2018; 69:1-9. [PMID: 29227829 PMCID: PMC5783741 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The HBS1L-MYB intergenic region (chr6q23) regulates erythroid cell proliferation, maturation, and fetal hemoglobin (HbF) expression. An enhancer element within this locus, highlighted by a 3-bp deletion polymorphism (rs66650371), is known to interact with the promoter of the neighboring gene, MYB, to increase its expression, thereby regulating HbF production. RNA polymerase II binding and a 50-bp transcript from this enhancer region reported in ENCODE datasets suggested the presence of a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA). We characterized a novel 1283bp transcript (HMI-LNCRNA; chr6:135,096,362-135,097,644; hg38) that was transcribed from the enhancer region of MYB. Within erythroid cells, HMI-LNCRNA was almost exclusively present in nucleus, and was much less abundant than the mRNA for MYB. HMI-LNCRNA expression was significantly higher in erythroblasts derived from cultured adult peripheral blood CD34+ cells which expressed more HBB, compared to erythroblasts from cultured cord blood CD34+ cells which expressed much more HBG. Down-regulation of HMI-LNCRNA in HUDEP-2 cells, which expressed mostly HBB, significantly upregulated HBG expression both at the mRNA (200-fold) and protein levels, and promoted erythroid maturation. No change was found in the expression of BCL11A and other key transcription factors known to modulate HBG expression. HMI-LNCRNA plays an important role in regulating HBG expression, and its downregulation can result in a significant increase in HbF. HMI-LNCRNA might be a potential therapeutic target for HbF induction treatment in sickle cell disease and β-thalassemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tasha A Morrison
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Ibifiri Wilcox
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Hong-Yuan Luo
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - John J Farrell
- Department of Medicine, Section of Biomedical Genetics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Ryo Kurita
- Research and Development Department, Central Blood Institute, Blood Service Headquarters, Japanese Red Cross Society, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukio Nakamura
- Cell Engineering Division, RIKEN BioResource Center, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - George J Murphy
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Shuaiying Cui
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Martin H Steinberg
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - David H K Chui
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
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